The History of Trade in Tamil Nadu

The period between the 3rd century BCE and 3rd century CE – known as the Sangam Age – was a period of economic growth and cultural renaissance in the deep south. Trade thrived during this period and ports like Puhar, Korkai and Muziris emerged as the busiest ports along the Indian Ocean trade network.

This continued well into the medieval period when the great kingdoms of the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas rose and spread their wings well beyond the Indian subcontinent.

But what do we know of the journeys beyond? Of the southern trading guilds that lorded over the Straits of Malacca? Of the exchanges and interactions?

Join author and public historian Pradeep Chakravarthy as he pores over old Sangam texts, folk tales and temple inscriptions to tell us about ships, merchants and journeys.